Assessment of antioxidant and anticancer attributes of crude extracts from edible mushrooms Lycoperdon molle and Apioperdon pyriforme

The study analyzed extracts from two mushroom species, Lycoperdon molle and Apioperdon pyriforme, for their phenolic and flavonoid compound contents, antioxidant capacities, enzyme activities, and cytotoxic effects against human colorectal and breast cancer cells. LM extract was found to contain higher levels of phenolic compounds, including catechin, gallic acid, and myricetin. While AP extract had a higher concentration of gallic acid. Both extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with LM showing slightly higher DPPH radical scavenging rates. However, their activities were weaker compared to standard antioxidants like gallic acid and quercetin. Enzyme assays revealed that both extracts inhibited CAT activity, activated GPx activity, and induced SOD activity. LM extract also inhibited GST activity, while AP extract showed activation at a certain concentration. In terms of cytotoxicity against cancer cells, LM extract displayed greater efficacy than AP, with lower IC50 values for both HT-29 colon cancer cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Overall, the study highlights the potential differential bioactive properties of LM and AP extracts, with LM demonstrating stronger antioxidant and anti-cancer effects.